When he meets her eyes again, she holds his gaze steadily and doesn't interrupt, even though she feels like she's going to shiver herself into a million pieces.

Yes. She remembers Aunt Peggy telling her about Bucky Barnes: handsome, charming, quick with a line. She's sure that before the serum, even with all his qualities, Steve was practically invisible next to his best friend.

It may have been seventy years ago, but it's as real now as it was back then to Bucky, she can tell. The pain in those smoke-blue eyes of his is crystal clear and real.

But. He said if.

"And if he doesn't?"

Her voice is just as quiet, but they may as well be standing here in their own universe by the lake. There's nothing to hear around them but the breeze in the grass and leaves and the soft ripple of water against reeds. She shakes her head. "You don't know that he feels that way. I don't want to break his heart, but I'm not willing to break mine on a guess."

Softly: "Or yours."